RIDGEGEAR RGH2 Instructions D'utilisation

FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
It is recommended that the user carries out a suspension test in a safe place before using the harness for the first time, to
ensure correct size, sufficient adjustment and acceptable comfort.
STEP 1A
Take harness by shoulder straps, ensure there are
no twists in the straps and place over shoulders
and arms.
STEP 1B
Some models are fitted with additional waist belts
and/or shoulder comfort pads.
STEP 2
Pass leg strap under legs without twisting and
fasten buckles - types may vary (A-B). Repeat
with other leg strap. Ensure that the loose tails are
face outermost otherwise the buckle will not lock.
Some models may be a 'step in' design whereby
the buckles cannot be disassembled, therefore
step into leg straps before placing over shoulders.
STEP 3
Fasten chest cross strap buckle same as legs. Some
models have a front attachment point as shown
(C). To ensure correct height position, adjust leg/
shoulder straps as necessary. If an adjustable chest
strap option is provided, pull on the webbing tail to
adjust. Keep as short as possible to avoid excessive
upward movement of front D in the event of a fall.
STEP 4
Tighten both leg straps by pulling on the loose
tail. Ensure fitting is tight but not uncomfortable.
Retain loose ends with the webbing retaining slides.
Ensure final fit is both secure and comfortable. If
in any doubt seek expert advice.
STEP 5
If a work positioning belt is fitted, adjust as
necessary at waist level.
STEP 6
The ideal position of the rear attachment point is
between the shoulder blades as shown.
Some models are fitted with an additional strap
with either a loop or ring for lanyard attachment
(D). This strap is intended for rescue purposes
only (EN 1497).
However, only under special conditions it may
also be used for EN 361 fall arrest (see 23).
EN 358
1. For the size of the waistbelt, see the product label.
2. The waist belt is approved for a user weight including tools and equipment of up to 150kg.
3. Fasten the front waist strap and tighten and locate the work positioning rings at hip level.
4. Ensure that the anchor point/structure is at or above waist level.
5. Never use work positioning side D rings for fall arrest or if there is a foreseeable risk of the user becoming
suspended or being exposed to unintended tension by the waist belt. They are only to be used for work
positioning by clipping the work positioning lanyard connector to one of the rings, looped around the structure
and back into the other ring.
6. Ensure that when using in work positioning, there is an additional fall arrest back up system in place.
EN 1497
1. For the maximum rated load of the rescue harness, see the product label.
2. The rescue harness is intended to be worn during normal working activities and that the user should carry
out a suspension test in a safe place before first use to ensure correct size, sufficient adjustment and is of an
acceptable comfort level for the intended use.
3. The rescue harness shall not be used as the body holding device in a fall arrest system.
GENERAL GUIDE
1. The intended purpose of this product is to use as a safety harness when working at height as either work
GB
Instructions for use of
RIDGEGEAR Fall Arrest Safety
Harnesses
Read and understand these instructions before use
complying (where applicable) with the requirements of EN
358:2018, EN 361:2002 & EN 1497:2007. Check the
individual product marking for applicable standard.
Issue J Jul 2021
1A 1B
A
2
3 C
4
5
6
D
positioning, fall arrest or rescue. Do not use this product outside these limitations or for any other purpose
other than that for which it is intended.
2. Before use, a detailed risk assessment must be carried out by a competent person to establish that this is the
correct product suitable for the type of work to be carried out in the event of a fall, taking into account anchor
points, potential fall distance, obstructions, rescue system, etc.
3. A full body harness is the only acceptable device that may be used in a fall arrest system.
4. Ensure that any harness and safety lines used with this equipment are suitably CE approved and compatible with
each other when assembled into a system.
5. Be aware of any possible dangers, which may arise through use of combinations of items of equipment in which
the safe function of any one item is affected by or interferes with the safe function of another.
6. Selection of the correct and most suitable safety line is critical for optimum safety. If unsure, contact
RIDGEGEAR first to establish suitability of options.
7. Ensure that the anchor point for the safety line is of adequate strength of at least 12kN (e.g. EN 795) and is
always higher than the harness anchor point to reduce free fall distance and potential injury.
8. When used in fall arrest, a load limiting or energy absorbing device MUST be used, and must be capable of
limiting the maximum force on the user and anchor point to less than 6kN, and the free fall distance must be
taken into account. All users including those greater than 100kg must also ensure this is the case. If unsure,
seek expert advice.
9. When used in fall arrest, the maximum user weight including clothing and tools must not exceed 140kg.
10. Connect to a reliable anchor point using an energy absorbing lanyard (fall arrest) by attaching a compatible
lanyard connector.
11. Be aware of the cause and effects of suspension trauma. To reduce the likelihood, ensure straps are correctly
fitted and rescue is timely. Use trauma straps where possible.
12. Either the rear or front D ring, or front chest attachment loops (as applicable) are acceptable attachment
points. The safety lanyard shall be attached to either D ring/attachment loops, and the other shall be attached
to the anchor point. Never use work positioning D rings as fall arrest attachment points. These are for work
positioning/restraint only.
13. Fall arrest attachment points are marked with letter A.
14. This equipment must only be used by suitably trained and/or otherwise competent personnel and is
recommended for personal issue only.
15. During use it is essential to regularly check fastening and adjuster buckles to ensure they are still closed, and the
webbing straps have not loosened.
16. Users are warned that certain medical conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, vertigo, epilepsy,
drug or alcohol dependence, could affect the safety of the user in normal and emergency use.
17. Ensure before use that there is a suitable rescue plan in place to deal with any emergencies that could arise
during the work and to enable the retrieval of the user to a place of safety in the event of a fall. Be aware of the
dangers of suspension trauma.
18. Never attempt to modify or repair this product without our written consent, and that any repair shall only be
carried out in accordance with our procedures.
B
19. Before every use, the user must be suitably qualified to carry out a pre-use check to ensure the harness is in a
safe condition for use. It is essential to ensure the product is removed from service immediately if the equipment
shows excessive wear or damage to any part, or has been involved in a fall. If in doubt, do not use and seek
expert advice. Most harnesses are provided with rip stitch indicators. If these have deployed, the harness must
not be used.
20. It is essential for safety that the equipment is withdrawn from use immediately should any doubt arise about its
condition for safe use, and not used again until confirmed in writing by a competent person that it is acceptable
to do so.
21. Ensure that there is sufficient free space below the user in the event of a fall. Check the instructions for the
safety lines to determine the safe clearance distance. For example, a 2m energy absorber lanyard
extend by up to 1.75m therefore a safe clearance height for the anchor point needs to be a minimum of 6.75m
from the ground or nearest obstacle below. When working in restraint, the fall distance should be negligible
provided the restraint line is taught.
22. The anchor device or anchor point should always be positioned and the work carried out in such a way as to
minimise the potential for falls and fall distance.
23. The rescue strap (D) may only be used for fall arrest if the lanyard attachment point is above the user, and the
potential for free fall is minimal. For example, using a self-retracting lanyard mounted overhead on a tripod.
Never use this strap for fall arrest if there is a risk of a sideways or inverted fall. Also, the length of the rescue
strap must be taken into account when establishing the total lanyard length and potential fall distance.
24. Protect the Harness from sharp or abrasive objects and never expose the harness to extremes of temperature
outside the range of –35
25. Avoid contact with strong chemicals, which may damage the equipment or internal mechanism. If in doubt
seek advice.
MATERIALS
The harness material and sewing thread is made from polyester.
STORAGE AND CLEANING
1. Ensure that when the harness is not in use or during transportation, it is suitably stored in a clean, dry area and
away from direct source of heat or sunlight, or any potentially sharp or abrasive objects such as knives or tools.
Do not write on the webbing.
2. If the harness gets wet in use or after cleaning allow it to dry naturally.
3. The harness may be cleaned with a mild detergent, but must be rinsed afterwards in clean warm water. To ensure
all mechanical fittings operate smoothly, rinse and/or wipe off any build up of dirt and grit.
PERIODIC EXAMINATIONS AND SERVICE
1. Before every use, the user shall inspect the equipment following the inspection guidelines below;-
2. The safety of the user depends upon the continued efficiency and durability of the equipment, therefore an
additional thorough periodic inspection is required by an independent competent person familiar with inspecting
this type of equipment.
3. The frequency of examination and inspection must take into account legislation, equipment type, frequency
of use and environmental conditions, but must be at least every 12 months and the results and date of the
inspection must be recorded.
4. The equipment must be totally replaced after a maximum of 10 years from the date of manufacture.
INSPECTION
Webbing – check for cuts, tears, abrasion, scorch marks, burns, chemical attack or severely discoloured patches.
Local abrasion, distinct from general wear is often caused by passage of the webbing over sharp and/or abrasive
edges, and may cause serious loss of strength. Slight damage to outer fibres may be considered safe, however serious
reduction in width or thickness or serious distortion to the weave pattern should lead to immediate rejection.
Stitching – check for broken, loose worn or abraded stitches or severely discoloured patches to the stitching. Most
harnesses are fitted with rip stitch indicators and a warning label. Check this is still intact.
Metal – check for cracks, corrosion, distortion, irregular wear and ensure all moving mechanisms operate correctly.
Product marking – check that the product markings including the serial number are legible.
Reject the equipment immediately if any of the above defects are found or if in any doubt.
REPAIR
This harness must not be modified or repaired unless advised by us in writing. Only competent persons authorised by
us may carry out any repairs. If in doubt contact RIDGEGEAR for further advice.
RECORDS
1. When using the harness for the first time, ensure that the first part of the product record card is completed and
the date of first use is recorded.
2. Ensure that the harness is inspected at regular intervals dependent upon frequency of use. Details of all
inspections must be recorded in the spaces provided on the record card.
C to +50 C.
o o
(EN 355) can